Photo: Carl Stevens (WBZ)
LYNN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — After 50 years of teaching others to dance, Donna Estes is taking her final bow.
The Lynn native first opened Donna's Dance Studio in 1973 at the age of 18, having just graduated from Lynn English High School. Half a century later, Estes has decided to retire.
"I felt like 50 years, the time is right," Estes told WBZ NewsRadio Wednesday.
Estes' professionalism and level of care turned Donna's Dance Studio on Bessom Street into a second home for many students in Lynn and the surrounding area. She estimated that around 10,000 young dancers have come through her studio.
"I got a family here," said Estes. "I mean I’ve got girls that have danced with me and are still here for 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years."
1 of 3 Photo: Carl Stevens (WBZ)
2 of 3 Photo: Carl Stevens (WBZ)
3 of 3 Photo: Carl Stevens (WBZ)
Estes said the community reaction to her retirement announcement was as emotional as one would expect.
"What really amazed me was a couple of the fathers cried and a lot of the mothers cried," Estes said.
Despite the tears, Estes was all smiles when thinking about her career.
"I’m just thankful for that wonderful journey," she said. "God’s blessed me."
WBZ's Carl Stevens (@CarlWBZ) reports.
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